Advanced Arabic Language, Amman

- Fall

- Spring

- Year

Arabic Language & Culture, Amman

- Fall

- Spring

Diplomacy & Policy Studies, Amman

- Fall

- Spring

Dear Participants,

Thank you for choosing the University of California Education Abroad Program. We hope that you will have an amazing experience abroad and will look back on it as a highlight of your UC education. For this program, UCEAP has partnered with CIEE. As a UCEAP student, the terms of your participation differ from students who are enrolled with CIEE independently or through another university. Be aware of these differences and understand your responsibilities as a UCEAP student abroad.

Review and read the CIEE materials carefully. Follow all CIEE pre-departure and onsite information and instructions; for example, arrival dates and visa instructions. Write down the CIEE contact information and keep it with your passport in case of an emergency. Be aware that you are concurrently enrolled at UC while participating through CIEE abroad. This means that the grades you earn while abroad will appear on your UC transcript as direct UC credit rather than transfer credit, that unlike other students in the program, you will pay your fees to UCEAP rather than directly to CIEE. Also that you have travel insurance coverage through UCEAP, which is your primary insurance policy while abroad. Finally, you will have additional resources and contacts at UCEAP. The details of the separate and unique “UCEAP elements” of your participation are outlined in this short supplement. Be familiar with them before departure.

Click a heading below to see section content.

Contacts

YourUCEAPNetwork

Third Party Organization

Your first point of contact while abroad will be the on-site CIEE office. See the CIEE Handbook accessed via your CIEE Polaris account for full contact details.

Your UCEAP Network

While you will stay in close touch with the on-site office, you will also need to keep a list of contacts on hand for the UCEAP Systemwide Office. The UCEAP Systemwide Office establishes and operates programs all over the world, and coordinates UCEAP administration for all UC campuses from its headquarters in Goleta, California. As a participant in this program, you will work closely with the following Systemwide Office staff:

Local UCEAP Support

Campus EAP Office

UCEAP Systemwide Office

The UCEAP Systemwide Office establishes and operates programs and coordinates UCEAP administration for all UC campuses from its headquarters in Goleta, California. You will work closely with the following Systemwide Office staff:

Program Advisors provide academic and operational program information to you and your campus as well as administrative support for all aspects of your participation.

Program Specialists manage the logistics of the program. They coordinate document requirements, visa application instructions, health and safety precautions, acceptance and placement by host institutions, arrival and onsite orientation, and housing arrangements.

Founded in 1962, the University of Jordan is the oldest public four-year institution of higher education in Jordan. The University has 13 academic faculties, 65 academic departments, and a diverse student body of nearly 35,000, including 1,800 international students. The CIEE Study Center is located opposite the main gate of the University and offers students a wide range of support, library, and advising services. Participants in the language and culture program also have access to the CIEE on-campus office in the University of Jordan’s Language Center. CIEE students have access to all major campus facilities, including the library and computer labs.

Course Opportunities

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Arabic Language & Culture

You are required to take two language courses: one Arabic language course (9 quarter/6 semester UC units) and one colloquial Jordanian Arabic course (4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units). In addition, you select two area studies courses (4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units each). Electives include courses in archaeology, economics, history, international relations, literature, politics, and religion. A full course load is considered four courses, an equivalent of 22.5 quarter/15 semester UC units.

View course listings for the Language and Culture program (at bottom of page) and syllabi (scroll to the right to open syllabi PDF).

Advanced Arabic Language

You take Advanced Modern Standard Arabic (9 quarter/6 semester UC units), Advanced Topics in Arabic Conversation (6 quarter/4 semester UC units), Arabic Writing and Research, and one subject course in literature, history, religion, or media. All subject courses are taught in Arabic. Enrollment in certain subject courses may require a higher level of proficiency than others. By enrolling in the required courses, you will earn 22.5-27 quarter/15-18 semester UC units.

Students must demonstrate mastery of the subject material included in the popular al-Kitaab series through book II or its equivalent on-site language placement exam taken during orientation. Students failing to meet the equivalency will have one opportunity to retake the placement exam. Students failing to demonstrate equivalency on their second attempt can be automatically enrolled in the CIEE Amman Language and Culture program. Confirmed students are also asked to complete an online oral interview with CIEE Arabic Language staff in Jordan as part of the pre-departure process.

View course listings for the Arabic Language program (at bottom of page) and syllabi (scroll to the right to open syllabi PDF).

Diplomacy & Policy Studies

You enroll in Modern Standard Arabic and Colloquial Jordanian Arabic courses at the appropriate level. In addition to the two required language courses, you choose two electives or one elective and an internship. A full course load is considered four courses, an equivalent of at least 22.5 quarter/15 UC semester units.

View course listings for the Diplomacy & Policy Studies program (at bottom of page) and syllabi (scroll to the right to open syllabi PDF).

Internship

Internships for credit are only available to students in the Diplomacy and Policy Studies program and to academic-year students in the Language and Culture program. In these programs, you'll have the option to partake in a for-credit, pre-screened internship with a government agency, or a local or international development organization. Drawing on your experience throughout the semester, you will complete a final research paper that uses your experience at the organization to make inferences about issues in the region.

Course Registration

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The most important thing for you to understand is that you are concurrently enrolled in your courses both through CIEE and through UCEAP’s MyEAP Study List. Completing your MyEAP Study List is the only way for your UCEAP courses and grades to appear on your UC transcript. You are receiving direct UC credit, not transfer credit.

When making decisions regarding your academic requirements while abroad, do not follow advice from non-UCEAP students; they are following different home-university policies.

Registering through CIEE: Signing up for courses

You may be able to pre-register for CIEE courses before arriving on-site. Your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor will notify you when details about the course registration process are available in your online CIEE account. There will be an opportunity to change your preliminary course schedule after you arrive, but pay close attention to any deadlines specified by CIEE staff.

Neither CIEE nor UCEAP Systemwide Office can assist you with questions about fulfilling home department requirements. You will need to contact your home UC department advisor.

In the first month of the program, you’ll receive detailed instructions from the UCEAP Systemwide Office on how to enter courses in your MyEAP account. It is critical that you read and respond to all e-mails regarding the registration process.

Search the MyEAP course catalog to select courses offered by CIEE.

Include the correct number of UC units in UC quarter units (even for semester campus students).

Conflicts or confusion between UCEAP and CIEE general academic policies

UCEAP Systemwide Office

CIEE course specifics and concerns

CIEE on-site staff

Home UC college or department requirements

UC departmental advisor and/or campus EAP advisor

Grades

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Grades (A–F with pluses and minuses, converted from a 100 point scale) are assigned based on mid-term and final exams, and depending on the course, additional assignments such as a research paper or a class presentation. Attendance and class participation are also incorporated into the final grade for the program courses. Class attendance is mandatory in all CIEE classes.

There are several steps involved before the grades you receive will be posted on your UC transcript. Grades must be submitted to the UCEAP Systemwide Office, reviewed and signed at the UCEAP Systemwide Office, transmitted to your campus, and then processed at the UC registrar.

Seniors should especially consider these issues to make sure they do not require grades sooner than what may be possible. No individual expediting is possible until the end of the 90-day window, regardless of graduation or graduate school deadlines.

Fall grades are usually available early February. We do not know when Spring grades are available.

For general information about grades, see the Academic Information chapter of the UCEAP Guide to Study Abroad. ​

Financial Information

Understanding Your Finances

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It is important that you carefully read all of the information available in the UCEAP Guide to Study Abroad and discuss it with the person who will assist you with your finances while you are abroad.

Understanding your finances before, during, and after your program is crucial to having a successful time abroad. The following list outlines just a few of the many things you will need to know before departure.

Detailed information on the following topics can be found in the Money Matters chapter of the UCEAP Guide to Study Abroad:

Contact information for finance questions

How to estimate the cost of your program

Budget instructions and information

Who Can and How to make payments to UCEAP

UCEAP student account information(what fees do I pay to UCEAP and what fees do I pay out of pocket?)

Banking before and after arrival

Fees and penalties

Loan information

How financial aid works while abroad (how do I get my financial aid from my home campus and how are my fees paid?)

Various forms (e.g., direct deposit, etc.)

Your MyEAP Account & Budget

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Your MyEAP Student Account is similar to your UC campus financial account. It will be available as soon as you are selected for your program in MyEAP. You can make payments through this account using e-checks or credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover). The fees that you owe UCEAP will be applied to your account after your program pre-departure withdrawal date, which is listed in MyEAP. For the amount due to UCEAP prior to fees being posted on your account, refer to the UCEAP Program Budget and Payment Schedule located on the second page of your UCEAP Program Budget. Program fees are subject to change.

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Refund of Credit balances and Financial Aid Disbursements:

If you are signed up for Direct Deposit on your UC campus, it is not linked to your MyEAP account. You must sign up for eRefund with UCEAP to receive direct deposits from your MyEAP account. For more information, see the UCEAP eRefund Instructions.

Carefully review your UCEAP Program Budget.

The UCEAP Program Budget does not include funds to purchase clothing or recreational travel abroad.

Your UCEAP Program Budget lists the fees you will pay to UCEAP and an estimate of the personal expenses you will need to plan for. It does not include the cost of recreational travel or personal entertainment. Review your UCEAP Program Budget frequently. The Payment Schedule is on the second page of the UCEAP Program Budget.

Instructions:

Download and print your UCEAP Program Budget and Payment Schedule.

Note the deadlines on the Payment Schedule.

Give the UCEAP Program Budget and Payment Schedule to the person responsible for paying your UCEAP bills. Sign this person up for Third Party Authorization on MyEAP so they can make payments online.

Detailed information on handing money abroad can be found in your CIEE Program Handbook.

​Travel

The UCEAP program budget does not include funds for recreational travel abroad.

UCEAP strongly recommends purchasing changeable round trip fares, which will allow you to make changes to your return flight for a fee. Carefully research airfare rules prior to purchasing a flight. Standby and courier fares are not appropriate. Plan for this expense. Neither UCEAP nor the Financial Aid office will reserve or pay for your ticket. If you are on financial aid, you will need to purchase a plane ticket before you receive a financial aid disbursement.

Financial Aid Students

Your financial aid package is based partly on the UCEAP Program Budget for the program. The estimated round-trip airfare amount is based on the cost of a changeable student fare to your host country. If your independent travel costs are greater than the airfare estimate in the UCEAP Program Budget, notify your financial aid counselors. Neither UCEAP nor the Financial Aid Office can guarantee that the additional cost will be funded by financial aid.

Diversity at UCEAP

LGBTIQ Students

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Laws and social attitudes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) continue to pose significant risk to LGBT individuals. Though not illegal, homosexuality is culturally unacceptable in Jordan. Jordanian gays may be jailed and beaten by police.

Societal discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons is prevalent. A number of citizens reported sporadic police mistreatment of suspected or actual LGBT persons.

Be careful of cultural bias when assessing acceptance. Do not assume to understand mannerisms unless you are familiar with the culture.

Be cautious if engaging others in conversations about sexuality or LGBT issues.

While in Jordan, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is found in the United States. Outside of a few of the more expensive hotels in the capital, individuals with disabilities will find almost no accessible accommodations. Similarly there are very few accessible restaurants, shops, or historical sites. Transportation is not accessible, and sidewalks and crosswalks, even in the main cities, are not accessible. Handicap-accessible toilets and bathrooms, even in major hospitals, are generally not available.

There is no deductible or co-insurance but the travel insurance works on a reimbursement basis. You can submit a claim for a refund of covered expenses to the UCEAP insurance carrier.

Do not assume that if you seek medical care abroad for a covered illness or injury that the local hospital will bill your insurance. Generally, hospitals around the world, including the US, do not bill insurance companies (unless there is a special arrangement with a local hospital in your UCEAP country). It is the patient's responsibility to inquire with the hospital, at the time of service, and make arrangements to pay any outstanding bills. Payment for medical services abroad is ultimately your responsibility.

Coverage begins 14 days before the official start date of your UCEAP program term. Coverage ends 31 days after the official end of the UCEAP program term. Your UCEAP travel insurance does not include coverage for preventative care, checkups, and vaccinations.

As you are covered by more than one travel insurance policy while on this program, one policy is considered to be primary (UCEAP) and the other is considered to be secondary (CIEE). The primary carrier covers your medical expenses based on the policy benefits, and the secondary carrier covers any remaining allowable expenses. If you have questions about the UCEAP travel insurance coverage and benefits contact, ACI at claims@visit-aci.com. If you have questions about the CIEE insurance plan, visit http://www.ciee.org/insurance/index.html.

For more information, refer to the information on the CIEE insurance policy that is provided in your MyCIEE/Polaris account under the “Readings” section.

Staying Healthy

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Local Medical Facilities

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During the CIEE on-site orientation, you will receive information on recommended hospitals, medical clinics, and individual physicians’ clinics. CIEE resident staff will assist you in finding appropriate health care as needed during the program, including transportation in case of a medical emergency.

Physical Health

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Arriving in a new country is a very busy time and there are a lot of changes to go through. There are differences in food, weather and customs to cope with. In this type of situation, with all its stresses, you may find yourself paying less attention than usual to your health.

Existing health problems can also be made worse by the effects of adjusting to unfamiliar food, a different climate and the emotional strains of being away from home. It can be easy to concentrate on your studies and forget about taking care of yourself.

Inform yourself before you travel. Just as language and currency vary around the world, so does medical care. Read the Health chapter of the UCEAP Guide to Study Abroad and your Program Guide for important information to plan for a healthy stay abroad and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Traveler's Health web page for health risks present in the country where you will be studying. Know what to do if you get sick.

Good basic personal hygiene and hand washing are critical to help prevent the spread of illness and disease. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating.

Air Quality

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Mental Health

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Your mental health is important to us all. Managing your mental health while studying abroad – whether or not you have a history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions – is something every person must think about when going abroad. Being away from usual stress at home can sometimes be a relief when abroad; experiencing new adventures can be a useful distraction. You will also have times when you feel confused, uncomfortable, annoyed, and many of the same emotions that you manage in your daily life at home. Read the Mobility International tips, Ups and Downs of International Travel.

Cultural adjustment and homesickness are normal. They are usually transitory—lasting a couple of weeks—and do not imply mental illness or an inability to cope. Most students who experience culture adjustment function reasonably well under the stress and are able to keep up with the responsibilities of school and everyday life.

If you are currently in treatment in the U.S., it is extremely important to discuss your plans to go abroad with your doctor. If you are taking a prescription medication, talk with your prescribing physician well in advance about getting the supply you need for going abroad. For information about traveling with medications, refer to the Prescription Medications section in this guide.

The UCEAP travel insurance policy covers outpatient visits as any other illness up to $500,000; there is no co-pay or deductible, and you can make an appointment with any doctor.

Plan and budget to pay up front. Doctors, hospitals, and clinics will require you to pay bills at the time of treatment. You must then submit receipts to the UCEAP insurance company for reimbursement. If you have questions about your UCEAP travel insurance benefits contact ACI at claims@visit-aci.com. For information about the claims process, access Insurance Claims Process.

Health Risks

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Detailed information can be found in your CIEE Program Handbook.

Prescription Medications

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PLAN AHEAD

Although you should always travel with a copy of your prescription from your U.S. doctor, many pharmacies in other countries will only fill prescriptions written in that country.

If you need a refill while abroad, you must see a local doctor to get a similar prescription that a local pharmacy will fill. It will be critical to have a letter from a U.S. doctor during this appointment explaining your diagnosis, treatment, and medication regimen.

In some cases, the local physician will need to confirm your diagnosis before issuing a prescription. Note that a doctor's visit to get refills may not be covered by the UCEAP travel insurance. . If you need to find out if this appointment would be covered by the UCEAP travel insurance, contact ACI at claims@visit-aci.com. For more information about the UCEAP travel insurance, refer to your UCEAP Guide to Study Abroad, or your pre-departure checklist, Insurance tab.

Most countries will only allow quantities of medication for personal use; only a 30- or 90-day supply.

Before Departure

Talk to your doctor to see whether he/she can prescribe an adequate supply of your prescription medication to last through the end of the program. Ask your doctor how to adjust your dosage to adjust to time zone changes.

Always carry medications in their original containers.

Have a letter from the prescribing physician indicating your diagnosis, treatment, and medication regimen.

Traveling with prescription medications

Generally, amphetamines (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse) are illegal in other countries. Talk to your doctor immediately to switch you to another medication.

If you are taking psychotropic medications (e.g., Adderall, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Prozac, Vyvanse, etc.), find out whether they are legal in your UCEAP country before your UCEAP program starts.

Talk to your doctor. If intending to travel with a prescription containing controlled substances, review medication regulations in official government sites. Addresses and excerpted national statutes for most countries can be found at the International Narcotics Control Board. You can also check your UCEAP Program Guide, Prescription Medications section for direct links.

Pack your prescription medications, in original containers, in your carry-on luggage. Do not pack the medications in your checked luggage.

Carry copies of all prescriptions, including the generic names for medications.

Have a letter on letterhead from the prescribing physician for all prescribed medications, indicating your diagnosis, treatment, and medication regimen. This is extremely important in case you need treatment or a medication refill abroad.

Leave a copy of the written prescriptions at home with a friend or relative.

If your particular medication cannot be taken into the country in quantities to last through your stay, talk to your doctor. If you need to switch prescriptions, your doctor may need to make changes to your medication at least 3-6 months before departure, so you can have time to consult with your doctor on any resulting complications. The letter from your doctor indicating condition, treatment and medication regimen, can help a local physician to assess you and to consider reissuing your prescription provided it is licensed in your UCEAP country. Note that the local doctor's appointment for medication refill may not be covered by the UCEAP travel insurance. Consult with ACI, claims@visit-aci.com. Read more in the UCEAP Guide to Study Abroad, Health section.

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Food Allergies

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Students with severe food allergies should take precautions, as the cuisine may include ingredients that can cause anaphylaxis in those affected. A language barrier increases the risks associated with severe food allergies.

Precautions to take include:

Research the local cuisine. Be aware that some popular local sauces may contain nuts.

Discuss the risks with your doctor six to eight weeks before departure to discuss your treatment plan while abroad.

Carry the medications you need to prevent an adverse reaction like antihistamines or epinephrine injectors with refills. Pack it in your carry-on, not your checked luggage. Your medication must be in its original packaging, with your name.

Have a letter from your physician to present to airport security that states your need to have the epinephrine auto injector with you at all times.

Wear a medical alert bracelet or tag with instructions for assistance in both English and the local language. Wearing medical identification at all times can help should a life-threatening reaction occur.

Tell others about your food allergy.

Carry a card written in English and the local language explaining what foods cause allergies and possible reaction. Make several copies in case you lose one. Be sure to have a native speaker verify that you have written everything correctly.

​You are responsible for observing all CIEE security guidelines/policies. Any violation of security guidelines/policies may lead to a disciplinary warning. Repeated violations may result in dismissal.

Minimize Risk

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The purpose of this advice is to provide up-to-date information so you can make well-informed decisions.

Staying safe in another country is similar to staying safe in a large U.S. city. Understand the potential threats, know which neighborhoods to avoid, and remain vigilant. Be proactive about your safety.

With the right information - and by thinking ahead - everyone can play a part in minimizing or preventing risks. To be able to identify risks at any of your destinations, you need to properly outline what activities you will be engaging in through your program and/or during independent travel. Name the risk and rate it based on the severity and likelihood. Consider what measures you will be taking to reduce the severity and chance. If you will be traveling, think about how you are getting to your destination and/or any travel inside a country. Plan your itinerary carefully, let your friends and relatives know where you will be, and research the safest way to travel. Car accidents are often a high risk in developing countries.

UCEAP and its partners provide resources and support services to help you have a safe experience while abroad. You have the primary responsibility to prepare before departure, to research and be aware of the risks involved in your planned travels, to be physically, academically, and mentally prepared for the program, to know about your insurance coverage provided to you by UCEAP, to know how to get help during an emergency, to behave in a safe and respectful manner, and to bring any concerns you may have to the attention of UCEAP and its partners.

There are steps you can take to manage, or minimize, risk and avoid being a victim of a crime:

Stop and think.

Pay attention to your surroundings and to what is happening around you at all times.

Be aware of what is unusual or threatening.

Trust your "gut feelings", your intuition; if you feel threatened, leave the area immediately and find somewhere more secure.

Read about the country and the city before departure. Inform yourself of risks you can encounter while traveling.

Increase your safety and reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime by staying in control of your drinking.

Practice the buddy system, which promotes safety. This system helps ensure that you, and a partner, will look out for each other. Choose your buddy wisely. The ideal buddy should feel that the buddy system is very important. If you are having a problem, your buddy can help to alert others and get you to safety.

Have a communication plan. Who will you call on site if you are facing an emergency? Do your friends and relatives know how to reach you when you are traveling?

While you are traveling in Jordan, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from the U.S.

Do not travel to the Jordanian/Syrian border and locations in close proximity to the border, including the Za’atri refugee camp. U.S. Embassy personnel must travel in armored vehicles equipped with Regional Security Officer-monitored tracking devices. Additionally, the Jordanian Public Security Directorate (PSD) must assess requests prior to travel commencing to determine the suitability of the journey and, if necessary, arrange for additional security measures.

Police Response

The Jordanian Public Security Directorate (PSD) is professional and well trained. The PSD has extensive patrols in the more affluent areas of west Amman, such as the Abdoun, Zahran, and Sweifiyeh neighborhoods.

Police forces also patrol locations where foreigners tend to congregate, such as hotels, restaurants, and popular tourist sites like the Roman Coliseum and the ruins of "Philadelphia" in downtown Amman. In refugee camps on the outskirts of Amman police presence is virtually non-existent; most officers prefer not to enter these camps. Police response time in affluent areas is three-five minutes, but it is likely to be longer in other areas of the city. The PSD maintains a 24-hour emergency switchboard that can be reached by dialing 911 from any telephone in Amman. Many PSD officers in Amman speak some English. They are usually efficient and will provide a copy of the police report if requested.

Crime & Prevention

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The most common form of crime is petty in nature, especially at tourist sites and crowded areas. Increase your vigilance in areas where pickpockets and opportunistic thieves are known to operate.

Avoid wearing clothing with slogans or logos that reveal your nationality. Consider avoiding clothing or jewelry that would identify you as Jewish or Israeli.

Anti-American sentiment does exist due largely to regional political issues or conflicts, especially the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and perceptions regarding U.S. involvement or lack of involvement in the Syria conflict.

Detailed information can be found in your CIEE Program Handbook.

Civil Unrest

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Demonstrations throughout the country occur regularly, sometimes resulting in road closures and confrontations with security forces. Of concern is the changing nature of the opposition’s rhetoric in tone and the public willingness to call for the ouster of the Prime Minister as well as denouncing the King, a once unheard of act that is still punishable by imprisonment.

Maintain as low a profile as possible; undertake only essential travel and avoid large crowds and demonstrations. When possible, travel in groups of two or more. Avoid using public transportation and maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times. If the civil unrest is anti-Western in nature, limit exposure to areas frequented by expatriates.

If caught in a potentially violent situation, immediately seek shelter in upscale hotels or large public buildings, such as libraries, theaters, hospitals, or museums.

Traffic & Transportation Safety

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Physical road conditions in larger cities are generally fair to good. However, road safety is a major issue. In addition, trucks are often overloaded, and drivers may not be adequately trained.

US Embassy officials are not authorized to use public buses due to security concerns but are allowed to use marked taxi cabs.

Motor vehicle accidents: This is the single greatest risk to your safety in Jordan. Wear seat belts when available. Traffic accidents are common and often result in serious injuries or fatalities. Fatality rates are four times higher than in the U.S. Excessive speeding is common, especially by owners of high-end sport cars. "Stop" and "Yield" signs are often ignored.

Amman and the rest of Jordan, lack any proper (fast, cheap) public transportation – only buses and taxis are available. Buses do not have any schedules, particular stops or apparent (to a non-local) routes.

Pedestrian Safety

Car accidents represent a major problem in Jordan. Many car accidents in Jordan involve pedestrians.

The steep terrain and heavy traffic remains challenging for pedestrians. The Eastern Mediterranean region ranks second among WHO (World Health Organization) regions in the proportion of pedestrian deaths among all road traffic deaths (28%), after the African Region (38%).

As a pedestrian, it is your responsibility to make yourself visible and avoid dangerous behavior and situations. Be careful and attentive.

Traffic is heavy in major cities, and pedestrians are numerous. Sidewalks are sometimes narrow or may be lacking. Motorists may not stop for pedestrians in crossings. Look carefully in both directions before crossing streets, even when using a marked crosswalk.

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault

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Incidents of sexual harassment, including inappropriate physical contact, staring, stalking, and indecent exposure, of Western women are regularly reported. Many of the incidents have taken place in smaller towns outside of Amman, but several have occurred within the capital city’s limits, especially involving taxi drivers who sometimes inappropriately touch female customers who sit in the front passenger seat.

According to the law sexual harassment is strictly prohibited. The law does not make a distinction between sexual assault and sexual harassment. Both carry a minimum prison sentence of four years with hard labor. As recent as 2012, the government did not enforce this law in practice. Women’s groups stated that harassment was common, but many victims were hesitant to file a complaint and rarely did so because they feared blame for inciting the harassment or consequences such as losing their job, or because they faced social and cultural pressure to keep silent. NGOs reported that foreign migrant workers, including garment workers and domestic workers, were especially vulnerable to sexual harassment, including sexual assault, in the workplace.

To decrease the likelihood of being victimized while using a taxi, take precautions such as avoiding travel to unfamiliar areas at night, not traveling alone, not riding in the front seat of a taxi, and dressing modestly when in public.

Dressing modestly may be the most important step you can take to minimize harassment. A serious incident occurred in Amman involving an international student within the past years. The student was saved from a mob by a passerby. Be extremely cautious wherever you are.

Carry a cellular telephone charged and on at all times.

There are reports of sexual assault in Jordan. Alcohol consumption and cross-cultural differences in gender relations were associated with these assaults to some degree.

Intolerance/Discrimination and Harassment

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​Incidents of unprovoked, violent harassment against racial and ethnic minorities can occur in Amman and other cities. Report any incident immediately to CIEE local staff.

Women do not have the same legal status and rights as men and experienced discrimination in a number of areas, including inheritance, divorce, ability to travel, child custody, citizenship, pension and social security benefits, the workplace, and, in certain circumstances, the value of their testimony in a Sharia court.

Dress Code

Dress codes are very conservative. Shorts are never appropriate for males or females, regardless of the weather or activity. Halter-tops or tight-fitting apparel worn by women are considered offensive and provocative by Jordanians and must not be worn.

Harassment

You may experience varying levels of harassment, such as having stones thrown at youy children, being called derogatory names by teenagers, and being subject to overt sexual comments.

Dating

Sex outside marriage is judged harshly in Jordan and may jeopardize your safety and/or ability to develop mutually respectful relationships in your community. Muslim women may be subject to severe retribution, even death, in the name of family honor.

UCEAP Contingency Planning

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If a local situation requires increased caution or a program suspension and evacuation of participants, UCEAP will activate contingency plans. For security reasons, contingency plans are not public and cannot be shared with anyone except UCEAP officials.

Program Suspension Policy

If the U.S. Department of State or CDC issues a Travel Warning after the start date of the program term, UCEAP may suspend the program. If time and local security conditions permit, UCEAP will consult with the UC Study Center Director, U.S. Embassy, U.S. Department of State regional and security analysts, other organizations that offer programs in the same country, and area experts to determine the appropriate timeframe for suspending the program and/or for the evacuation of the students from the host country.

Security Evacuation

The UCEAP required security evacuation will override any host institution, or local US Embassy voluntary departure on U.S. government-arranged flights, that require U.S. citizens to sign a promissory note with the government. The safe evacuation of UCEAP students, managed by UCEAP, is covered by UCEAP insurance. UC students are required to follow UC safety directives in the event of an evacuation.

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Fire Safety

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Follow these general fire safety tips. Most college-related fires in the U.S. are due to a general lack of knowledge about fire safety and prevention. Educate yourself about fire safety standards in your UCEAP country. Fire safety standards differ drastically around the world.

Know where emergency exists are located and check whether exits are passable.

Know how to call the local fire department.

Do not stay in housing above the sixth floor so you are within range of most fire department rescue ladders.

Purchase and use a smoke detector. Before departure contact the Fire Safety Foundation. Choose from a variety of battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, including models with sealed, 10-year batteries. Once purchased, the alarms and a multilingual installation manual – written in English and the host country’s native language - will be shipped to the address where you are residing.

​According to the U.S. Embassy in Amman, the threat of terrorism remains a major concern. Regional and transnational terrorist groups, as well as local extremists, have demonstrated the willingness and ability to mount attacks in Jordan.

The University of California, in accordance with applicable
Federal and State law and University policy, does not
discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion,
sex, gender identity, pregnancy,* disability, age, medical
condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status,
citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era
veteran or special disabled veteran. The University also
prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy
covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs
and activities. Inquiries regarding the University’s
student-related nondiscrimination policies may be directed to
the campus Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action
office.

* Pregnancy includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical
conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth.